“identity verification is the foundation of virtually all security systems, digital and physical, and AI is making it easier than ever too undermine this process,” Mike Sexton, a Senior Policy Advisor for AI & Digital Technology at national think tank Third Way, tells The Cipher brief. “AI makes it easier for attackers to simulate real voices or hack and steal private credentials at unprecedented scale. This is poised to exacerbate the cyberthreats the United States faces broadly, especially civilians, underscoring the danger of Donald Trump’s sweeping job cuts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.”
The Trump administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget would eliminate 1,083 positions at CISA, reducing staffing by nearly 30 percent from roughly 3,732 roles to around 2,649.
Save your virtual seat now for The Cyber Initiatives Group Winter Summit on December 10 from 12p – 3p ET for more conversations on cyber, AI and the future of national security.
The Industrialization of Identity Theft
The constella report, based on analysis of 80 billion breached records from 2016 to 2024, highlights a growing reliance on synthetic identities-fake personas created from both real and fabricated data. Once limited to financial scams, these identities are now being used for far more hazardous purposes, including espionage, infrastructure sabotage, and disinformation campaigns.
State-backed actors and criminal groups are increasingly using identity fraud to bypass conventional cybersecurity defenses.In one case, hackers used stolen administrator credentials at an energy sector company to silently monitor internal communications for more than a year, mapping both its digital and physical operations.
“In 2024, identity moved further into the crosshairs of cybercriminal operations,” the report states. “From mass-scale infostealer infections to the recycling of decade-old credentials, attackers are industrializing identity compromise with unprecedented efficiency and reach. This year’s data exposes a machine-scale identity threat economy, where automation and near-zero cost tactics turn identities into the enterprise’s most targeted assets.”
Dave Chronister, CEO of Parameter Security and a prominent ethical hacker, links the rise in identity-based threats to broader social changes.
“Many companies operate with teams that have never met face-to-face. Business is conducted over LinkedIn, decisions authorized via messaging apps, and meetings are held on Zoom instead of in physical conference rooms,” he tells The Cipher Brief. “This has created an environment where identities are increasingly accepted at face value, and that’s exactly what adversaries are exploiting.”
When Identities Become Weapons
This threat isn’t hypothetical. In early July, a breach by the China-linked hacking group Volt Typhoon exposed Army National Guard network diagrams and administrative credentials. U.S.officials confirmed the hackers used stolen credentials and “living off the land” techniques-relying on legitimate admin tools to avoid detection.
In the context of cybersecurity, “living off the land” refers to attackers (like the China-linked hacking group Volt Typhoon) don’t bring their own malicious software or tools into a compromised network. Instead, they use the legitimate soft
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Table of Contents
The Cipher Brief is a leading source of intelligence and security news, analysis, and commentary. Founded in 2014 by Bradley Podolsky, a former CIA intelligence officer, the platform caters to a diverse audience including policymakers, intelligence professionals, business leaders, and informed citizens seeking to understand the complex landscape of national security. It distinguishes itself by providing curated, non-partisan insights from a network of over 600 intelligence and security experts.
Origins and Mission
Bradley Podolsky established The cipher Brief after recognizing a gap in the market for accessible, yet deeply informed, national security analysis. he observed that much of the intelligence available was either too technical for a broad audience or filtered through political agendas. The Cipher Brief’s mission is to bridge this gap by delivering objective, expert-driven content. Podolsky’s background at the CIA,where he served as a Senior Political Intelligence Officer,provides a foundation of credibility and understanding of the intelligence community’s inner workings.
Content and Coverage
The Cipher Brief offers a wide range of content, including:
- News & Analysis: Daily coverage of breaking national security events, geopolitical developments, and emerging threats.
- Expert Commentary: Insights from former intelligence officers, military officials, cybersecurity experts, and academics.
- Exclusive Interviews: Conversations with key figures in the intelligence and security fields.
- Threat Assessments: In-depth analyses of specific threats, such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.
- Regional Focus: Dedicated coverage of critical regions around the globe, including Ukraine, China, the Middle East, and Africa.
- The Daily: A daily newsletter summarizing the most vital national security news.
The platform’s coverage extends beyond traditional national security concerns to include topics like supply chain security, critical infrastructure protection, and the intersection of technology and intelligence. Cybersecurity, in particular, receives meaningful attention, reflecting its growing importance as a national security challenge.
Business Model and Audience
The Cipher Brief operates on a subscription-based model, offering various tiers of access to its content. Subscription options range from individual memberships to enterprise licenses for organizations. The platform’s audience is diverse, encompassing:
- Government Officials: Policymakers, intelligence analysts, and military personnel.
- Business Executives: Leaders responsible for risk management and security.
- Financial Professionals: Analysts and investors seeking to understand geopolitical risks.
- Academics & Researchers: Scholars studying national security and intelligence.
- Informed Citizens: Individuals interested in staying abreast of critical global issues.
Key Takeaways
- The Cipher Brief provides non-partisan, expert-driven national security intelligence.
- Founded by a former CIA officer, Bradley Podolsky, the platform leverages a network of over 600 intelligence and security professionals.
- Content covers a broad range of topics,including geopolitical events,cybersecurity threats,and regional analyses.
- The Cipher Brief operates on a subscription model, catering to a diverse audience of professionals and informed citizens.
The Cipher Brief and the Future of Intelligence
As the global security landscape continues to evolve, The Cipher Brief is positioned to play an increasingly important role in providing clarity and insight.The platform’s commitment to objective analysis and its network of experts make it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex challenges facing the world today. The increasing sophistication of threats, coupled with the rapid pace of technological change, will likely drive further demand for the type of intelligence and analysis offered by The Cipher Brief.
Publication Date: 2025/11/06 07:10